Look at the bits just before and after what you quoted: > That is the second key to reaching cynical teenagers: they must be treated like men and women whose d

Look at the bits just before and after what you quoted: > That is the second key to reaching cynical teenagers: they must be treated like men and women whose decisions and opinions matter. I was eager to learn from their observations and opinions. I genuinely believe I have as much to learn from my classes as they do from me. […] Students were eager to tell me of these conclusions because they believed (rightly) that I valued their insights and experiences. […] mostly to my attitude towards my students. Taking students seriously means setting high expectations for their work. This is the harder path: requiring more of students means investing more time and effort into their growth. […the part you quoted…] This process requires double the work on my part, but it makes the students better writers. Teach things that matter. Believe your students matter. Set high standards, but invest the time to ensure your students can meet the standards you set. I wouldn't describe the approach as “terror and bullying built into it”.